Hair-curling machine.



. FI. GRABOWSKI.

HAIR CURLING MACHINE.

APPLICATION man mma. 1915.

Patented Feb. 5, 191@ IO SHEETS-SHEET i.

I0 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

Patented Feb. 5, 1918.

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A. F. GRABOWSKI. HAIR CURLING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED IIIAII. a. 1915.

IIL

. A. F. GRABOWSKI.

HAIR CURLING MACHINE. AePLlcArloN Flu-:n MAR. a. |915.

Patented Feb. 5, 19H8.

l0 SHEETS--SHEET 3.

we www A. F. GEABOWSKE. HAIR CURLING MACHINE. APPLICATION r'lL'En Mmm.|915.

Patented Feb. .5, 1918.

I0 SHEETS-SHEET A.

A. F. GRABDVVSKI. HAIR CUBLING` MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED mms. 1915.

Patented Feb. 5, 1918.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

im "MW lime/@71; 0m @ZM V @a A. F. nAovvsKl. HAIR CUHLINGIVIACHINE.APPLICATION FILED MAR. 8. I9I5.

Patented Feb. 5, 19M

I 0 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

A. F. GRABOWSKI.

HAIR CUHLING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAILS. 1915.

mme@ M. 5,1m

i0 SHEETS-SHEET 7.

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A. F. GRABOWSKL HAIR CURLINGl MACHINE.

APPLIQATION FILED MAR. 8. |915 Mmm M. 5,1m`

I0 SHEETS-SHEET B.

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A. F. GRABOWSKL HAIR cuRLlNG MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. a. 1915.

Pwtented Feb. 5, 19W.

I0 SHEETS-SHEET 9.

A. F. GRABWSKI.

HAIR CURLING MACHINE.' APPLICATION FILED MAR. 8. 1915.

Patented Feb. 5, 1918.

I0 SHEETS-SHEET l0.

f rial.

a innen an t specification of Lettera Patent.

Fatented Feb. d, n

application filed March t, 1911.5. Serial No. 13,071.

To all whom it may concern.'

Be. it known that I, ANTON F. Glmowsni, a citizen of the United States,,and a resident of the city of Chicago, county of Cook,y

and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvementsin IIair-ffurl-v in Machines, of which the following is a fu l, clear,Iand exact description.

The invention relates to the manufacture of curled hair such as isemployed for studing mattresses, cushions and the like, and moreparticularly the cheaper grades, such as is made from a mixture of horsehair, hair from the tails of cattle, and hog hair. In some grades, shortstaple vegetable fiber, which cannot be used for other purposes, isadmixed with the hair. 'Ihe mixed hair is curled by twisting it verytightly into a rope. The ro e of tightly twisted hairis boiled and dr1edto set the curl and it is then picked apart to form the stuing mate-'Ihe mixed hair is, for-the most part, and particularly in the cheapergrades, of quite short staple, and for that reason cannot be readilyhandled by machinery, and at present the curling of the hair by twistingit into a rope is eHec'ted by hand with the aid of a rotating spindle.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved machine forautomatically feeding and twisting the hair and consists in feav turesof improvement hereinafter set forth,

illustrated in the preferred form in the accompanying drawings, and'more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a longitudinal section through theprincipal parts of the hair curling machine. Fig. 2 is a horizontalsection through certain parts ofthe machine. Fig. 3 is a view inelevation on an enlarged scale of the left-hand end of the machine,illustrating the hopper and mechanism for feeding the hair to thetwisting devices, the hopper being shown in section with parts brokenaway to show its construction. Fi 3a is a View in elevation of the righthan portion of the machine showing the twisting mechanism, parts beingshown in longitudinal section. Fig. 4c is a plan view of the parts shownin Fig. 3, portions of the feed hopper being broken away to illustrateits construction. Fig. 4t is aplan view of a portionl of the machineintermediate the feeding and twisting mechanisms. Fig. 4b is a plan viewof the twisting mechanism shown in elevation in Fig.

3. Fig. 5 is a cross section on the line 5-5 of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is anenlarged longitudinal section of the principal parts of the twistingmechanism. Fig. 7 1s a detailed section on the line 7-7 of Fig. 6. Fi 8is a cross section on the line 8-8 of ig 4b. Fig. 9 is a plan View ofthe mechanism lfor rotating and reciprocating the reel whereon thetwisted hair rope is wound. Fig. 10 is a View in elevation of the righthand end of the machine.

In the improved machine, the.mass of mixed hair' is preferably placedwithin a hopper, from which it is delivered by a picker wheel or drumonto an endless conveyer or feed belt. 'Ihe hair is deposited on thefeed belt in a layer or bat, and. as it is advanced thereby the layer orbat of hair on the belt conveyer is concentrated into a sliver orstrand, preferably by convergingside belts and pressure rollers. One ofthe pressure rollers is arranged adjacent to the de livery end of thefeed belt and a sliver or strand of hair passes therefrom to a rotating,twisting head whereby the portion of the strand between the head and thedelivery end of the feeding belt is initially twisted. From the rotatingor twistin head the stra-nd or rope passes toa secon twisting mechanismwhich is preferably in the form of a-lier and which also serves to windthe rope upon a reel.

In the construction shown, the hopper and its operating` mechanism aremounted upon a cast metal frame (see Figs. 3 and 5) com prisingstandards 10, a horizontal portion 11 and upwardly projecting arms orbrackets 12, which support a bed plate 13. 'I he feeding andconcentrating devices are carried upon a bed plate 14C which issupported upon upright frames 15 and which is connected at its righthandend to the horizontal frame portion 11. The spinning and wind- `ingmechanisms are mounted upon a frame see Fi s. 3a, 4 and 4b comprisin endu g g P `rights or standards 16 and intermediate upprises rotatableinner and outer portions 20 and 21, and afixed bottom 22. The latter isformed of `sheet iron, and is secured to the upper ends of a series ofT-shaped brackets 23 (see Figs. 3, 4 and 5) that arise from the bedlplate 13. The walls of the inner and outer portions 20 and 21 are alsopreferably formed of sheet iron andv the outer wal preferably ,tapersslightly from the upper to the lower portion of the hopper. This outerwall is secured at its lower edge to the inner edge of an annular flangeor gear 24 and at its upper edge to an annular flange 25 that issupported on vertical bolts 26 arising from the flange or gear 24. Thisouter portion of the hopper 1s rotatably supported by a series ofrollers 27 Ywhich are mounted in Ushaped brackets 28 on thebed'pla'te'13 and* engage a ltrack on the under side of the annular flangeor ear. The outer hopper portion is held against lateral movement by aseries of guide rollers 29 which are mounted o n shafts 30 rising fromthe bed plate and which engage the vertical shoulder or flange 31 on theupper face of the flange or gear 24 (see Figs. 3 and 4.)

The inner portion' or wall 20 of the hopper is preferably cylindrical,and is secured to the edges of a pair of disks 32 that are :fixed to anuprightjshaft 33. Preferably also, the inner portion has a conical upperend 20 which is fixed to a collar 34 on the upper end of the verticalshaft 33. For convenience in securing the sheet metal walls of the innerand outer hopper portions in place by nails or the like, the collar 34,the disks32 and the annular, gear or fiange24 are provided l with wooden,peripheral y portions 35, andthe flange 25at theupper, outer portionof'thelli'o'pper fis also preferably formedl'orf, woodforthis pur ose.

` Shaft', 33Mifsjournaled in Asuitab e bearings formed in the beddplate'13 "and the hori ,zontal frarnenportion 11,',anfdits extreme i y 'llower'end"mo'untedlinabearin" ,36. The shaft is alsol preferablyjournale in'bearings formed'inla tlshapedvbralcket ,37 thatA is fixed toone ofthe 'standards f 10. f`A" r,sprocket wheel'- 38 and-"a ,wormgear39 are 5o" mounted on thesliaft '33 between thearms of thebracket 37andthe wheel 39 "is engaged by a worm 4Q (seeFig. 5),-,on the inner endof a horizontal countershaft 41.

mounted upon the'4 adjacent upright or standard 15 and is,l connected bya pair of bevel gears 42 to the lefthand end of a driving shaft43. Thelatter isy journaled in suitab e' bearings in theupright frames 15 andat its extreme righthand end is also journaled in lthe upper end of anupright or standard 44. At its righthand end, the f vshaft 43 isprovided with a gearwheel 45%,; (see Figs. 4? and 5) which is connectedby an -intermediate idler 46 to. a gear 47 on aff;

main horizontal drive shaft 48.'` This shaft is journaled in therighthand standard 15,

in the upright or standard 44 and also in suitable bearings 49 mountedupon the lower horizontal frame member 18 (see Figs. l3 and 4b). Thelefthand end of the mainl drive shaft 48 is provided with tight andloose pulleys 50 and 51, which are adapted to be connected by a belt toany suitable source of power.

The intermediate idler 46 see Fi s. 3 and 4a) g way, the speed of theshaft 43 can be varied relative to the speed of the main drive shaft 48.

The sprocket wheel 38 is connected by a chain (see Figs. 3 and 4) with asprocket wheel 56 on uprlght shaft 57. The latter is journaled insuitable bearings in the lefthand standard 10 and in the lefthandportion of the bed plate 13. Above the bed plate, this shaft is providedwith a gear 58 which meshes with the teeth of the annular gear 24.tothereby drive the outer portion of the hopper. The driving connectionsbetween the shaft 33 and the outer portion of the hopper are such, thatthe inner and outerhopper portions rotate in unison. A body of hairplaced between the ,inner and outer portions of the annular ho per iscarried around over the stationary ottom portion 22 thereof and over arotating, cylindrical vpicker wheel or drum 59, which is f' locatedbeneath an opening in the stationary hopper bottom.

The picker wheel or drum is arran ed within an opening in the bed plate13 see Figs. 3 and 5) and beneath an opening in the fixed hopper bottom.The opening in Athe hopper bottom is preferabl fprovlded with a grating60 which is forme of a series of segmental bars and the cylindricalpicker drum is provided with teeth or pins which project, upwardlybetween the bars of the grating. The bars are preferably curved l yupwardly to a slight extent over the picker This shaft is journaled insuitable bearings wheel, as most clearly shown in Fig. 3, and the freeends of these grate bars extend over' adownturned lip 22 on the fixed ho.per bottom 22. The opposite ends of t e 'plate 13.

Tha-picker wheel is mounted upon a shaft. v,163,v vhich'is journaled inbearings 64. The

latter/,aremountedin vertical l ide wa s formed'in brackets 65 that areed to t e tanto bed plate 13.- The hearn boxes 64 rest upon adjustingscrews 66 t readed through the lower ortions of the bracket 65 andsprings 67 mterposed between the bearin s and the upper portions of thebrackets ho d the bearings in engagement with the adjusting screws.rllhe height of the picker Wheel 59 and coperating grating 60 relativelyto the hopper may thus be adjusted as desired. 'The outer end of theshaft63 is provided with a sprocket wheel 68 which is connected by achain 69 to the large sprocket wheel 70 on the outer end of the countershaft 41 (see Fig. 3).` By this means the picker wheel is driven at veryhigh speed relatively to the speed of movement of the rotating hopper.

The body of han' within vthe hopper 1s pressed downwardly upon thegrating and the upper portion of the picker wheel by means of a presserwheel 71. This wheel is mounted upon a shaft 72 which' is journaled inthe free ends of a pair of rock arms 73. The latter are connected to thesleeve 74 which is mounted upon a horizontal pivot rod 75. The latterprojects forward from an upright 76 (see Figs. 3 and 4) that rises fromthe righthand portion of the bed plate 13. An arm 77 fixed to the sleeve74 projects toward the presser wheel 71 and ,isv provided with anadjustable weight 78 so that the wheel is pressed down into the spacebetween the inner and outer portions of the annular hopper and onto thebody of material within the same. Inasmuch as the presser wheel islocated directly over the picker wheel 59 and grate 60, it holds thematerial in snug engagement therewith and thereby aids in maintaining auniform feed of the material from the hopper.

rl`he'presser wheel 71 is preferably positively driven, and for thispurpose the outer end of the shaft 72 is provided with a pulley 79. A.round belt 80 extends over this pulley around a guide wheel 81 and overa driving pulley 82 on the upper end of the .shaft 57. The guide pulley81 is mounted upon a bracket 83 on the edge of the bed plate 13. Thepulleys 81 and 82 are flanged and are of considerable width, so that thepressure wheel 71 is free to rise and fall. lf desired, the periphery ofthe pressure wheel may be corrugated, as shown.

The hopper preferably rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow inFig. 4, and

- till.

veyer and serves to deliver a uniform layer of material on to the uppersurface ot the conveyer.

This conveyor passes over the upper sur face of the table or bed 14 and,at the ends of the bed or table, it passes'over a pair of flangedpulleys 85 carried respectively on shafts 86. One of these shafts isjournaled in fixed bearings beneath the bed or table 14 and the other(the lefthand shaft in the construction shown) is mounted in adjustablebearings so that the belt may be held under proper tension. As shown,these adjustable bearings are mounted to slide in guide ways 87, and areadapted to be adjusted by screws 88 and are held in engagement with theadjusting screws by springs 89. A large ,sprocket 90 on the outer end ofthe lefthand shaft 86 is connected by a chain 91 to a small spocketwheel 92 on the counter shaft 41. By this means the feed belt 84 isdriven toward the righthand end of the machine to advance the hairdeposited thereon by the picker wheel 59.

The layer or bat of hair deposited upon the feed belt 84 is concentratedinto a sliver or strand by a pair of vertically disposed belts 93 and apair of presser rolls 94 and 95. There are two side belts 93 which aredisposed on edge above the horizontal feed plate 84, the lower edges ofthe vertical belts being closely adjacent or substantially in ,Contactwith the upper face of the horizontal belt. The vertical belts pass overdriving and guide rollers 96 and 97 and the intermediate inner portionsof the belts also pass over a pair of intermediate guide rollers 98.

The drive rollers 96 at the righthand ends of the belts are mounted uponthe upper ends of a pair of shafts 99 that are journaled in suitablebearings upon the bed plate 14 and upon the righthand standard 15. Attheir lower ends, the shafts 99 are provided with worm wheels 100 whichmesh with a worm 101 on the shaft 43. The rollers 97 at the lefthandends of the belts are mounted upon upright shafts 102 which are journaled in bearing blocks 103. The latter are horizontally adjustablein guide-ways formed in brackets 104 on the bed or table 14. Adjustingscrews 105 -serve to position the blocks 103 and hold the side belts 93under proper tension.

The pair of rollers 97 are spaced quite far apart (see Fig. 4), but thepairs of rollers 98 and 96 are arranged closely adjacent, so that theinner portions of the belts 93 are inclined toward each other from thereceiving to the delivery end of the main feed belt 84, and 'between therollers 98 and 96 the inner portions of the belts 93 are substantiallyparallel. To hold these inner portions of the belts adjacent each otherand substantially parallel, a pair of guide plates 106 therefor arecarried upon the ends of a pair of brackets 107. The outer portions ofthese brackets are transversely slotted and bolts 108 extendingtherethrough adjustably secure these brackets and guide plates to thebed or table 14. It will be understood that the inner portions of thebrackets 107 extend inwardly' over the horizontal feed belt 84.

The presser roll 94 is located between the 'closely adjacent portions ofthe side belts 93 and between 4thc guide plates 106. This presser rollis mounted on a shaft 109 which is journaled in the right hand ends of apair of arm 110. The latter are fixed to a sleeve 111 that is mountedupon a pivot rod 112. This pivot rod projects laterally from the upright76. An arm 113 fixed to the sleeve 111 projects outwardly toward thepresser roll 94 and carries an adjustable weight 114 so that the presserroll is pressed downwardly upon the strand or sliver of hair on thehorizontal feed belt 84 and between the' side belts 93. Inasmuch as theguide plates 106 are arranged on opposite sides of the presser roll 94they prevent the pressure exerted by the roll from deflecting the belts.

The rollers 96, 97 and 98 which coperate with the vertical concentratingbelts 23 are provided with anges which engage the upper edges of thebelts and hold the latter against displacement in vertical direction.

The second presser roll 95 is arranged above the deliver end of thehorizontal feed belt, and prefera ly directly above the right hand endroller 85. This roller is mounted on a shaft 115 which is carriedbetween the outer ends of a pair of arms 116, the inner ends of whichare pivotally mounted on the shaft 109. The U-shaped portion 117connects the arms 116 and an arm 118 fixed to the U portion 117 projectsoutwardly toward the roller 95 and is provided` with an adjustableweight 119. The peripheral surfaces of the presser rolls 94 and 95 arepreferably concave, as most clearly shown in Fig. 4. Y

From vthe feeding and concentrating devices the strand of hair passes tothe twisting and reeling mechanisms. The parts of these mechanisms arepreferably driven by a series of friction disks 120 (see Figs. 3, 4", 6and 8), which are loosely mounted upon a fixed .supporting shaft 121.This fixed shaft is mounted in suitable supportn brackets upon thestandards 15 and 16 an upon the the inner portion of each vof theseshafts and these rollers engage and drive the friction disks 120. Thefriction rollers are keyed to the shafts 122 but can be adjustedlongitudinally thereon to var v the speed at which the differentfriction disks are driven. For this purpose, each roller is providedwith an adjustmg bar 125, having a fork 126 secured to its, inner endthat engages an annular groove formed in the hub of the roller. Theouter end of each adjusting bar 125 is upturned to form a convenienthandle. A clamp bolt 127 extends through a longitudinal slot in the barand into the bearin bracket at the outer end of the adjacent sha 122,and serves to hold the friction roller 124 in adjusted position. Thedisks 120 are held in snu frictional engagement with the driving ro ers124 by nuts 128 (see Figs. 3 and 6), which are adjustably threaded onsleeves or collars 129 on the shaft 121.

The strand of hair is initially twisted by a rotating head 130 having apair of feed rollers 131 mounted thereon on opposite sides of its axisand which are arranged to grip the strand between them. The twistlnghead 130 is carried upon the end of a sleeve 132 which is journaled in abearing 133. The'latt'er is carried by supporting arms 134 (see Fig. 4")which are sustained by the horizontal tie rods or supports 19. A hollowpart 135 fixed to the opposite or left hand end of the sleeve 132 abutsagainst the bearing 133 and carries a pulley 136. A belt 137 passes overthis pulley and over pulley 138 that is fixed to the hub of one of thefriction disks 120. The twisting head and rollers 131 thereon arethusrotated so that the portion of the strand of hair which extendsbetween the rollers 131 and the presser roller 95 at the end of thefeeder, is initially twisted. v

The feed rollers 131 of the twisting head are provided with concavegripping surfaces (see Figs. 6 and 7) and are referably rublber coveredso that they w l securely grip the strand of hair. They are alsoosltively driven to advance the strand, and) for this purpose they aremounted upon short transverse shafts 139 that are journaled in the sidesof the twisting head and each of which is provided lrllpon one end witha worm wheel 140. hese worm wheels en age worms 140 that arc mountedupon the right 'hand ends of short longitudinally extending shafts'141.These shafts are journaled in bearings 142 that project from thetwisting head and spur gears 143 mounted upon the left hand ends of theshafts 141 engage a gear 144 that is mounted upon the sleeve 132 betweenthe head 130 and the bearing The'rollers 131 can be rotated by fixingthe gear 144 in position, but this gear is preferably driven from one-ofthe friction disks 120 so that the speed of rotation of the feed rolers131 can be controlled as desired relatively to the speed of rotation ofthe rollers 131 grip the strand between them atthe axis of the rotatinghead and thus hold the strand in axial position out of frictionalcontact with the sleeve 132.

From the twisting head, the strand passes to a second twistingmechanism, which is preferably in the lform of a revolving flier whichalso serves to Wind the strand upon a reel. Preferably also the 'strandas it leaves the initial twisting rollers 131, passes over a taperedhorn 150 which is mounted on the twisting head in line with the axisthereof. Preferably, as shown, the horn is formed in one piece with aforked bracket 151 by which it is secured to the head, as most clearlyshown in Figs. 3, 4b and 6. At its inner end adjacent the bite of therollers 131 the horn is provided with an inclined guide which directsthe strand of hair onto the periphery of the larger lefthand end of thehorn. In the construction shown, this guide is in the form of a roller152, which is arranged between the members of the forked bracket 151 andis rotatably mounted upon a short transverse shaft 153 journaled in thebracket. This roller` is provided with a concave surface and guides thestrand of hair so that it is coiled a few times about the horn, as shownin Figs. 1 and 3a.

The twisting flier comprises leftand right-hand cross arms 154 and 155,having central hub portions 156 and 157 respectively, and which areconnected at their ends by horizontal tie rods 158. The hub portion 156of the lefthand cross arm 154 of the flier is hollow and i's journaledin a suitablel The hub 157 of the righthand cross arm of the twistingflier is fixed to the end of a hollow shaft 160 that is journaled in apair of cross supports 161extending between the rods 19. A pulley 162 onthe shaft 160 is connected by a belt 163 to a pulley 164 that .is fixedto the hub of one of the friction disks 120.

Within the hollow shaft 160 is arranged a sleeve 165 and a shaft 166.This shaft is carried at its outer end upon the righthand standard 1.6and at its inner end by a bracket 167' that is fixed to the lefthandcross arm 154 of the twisting flier. A reel 168, whereon the twistedrope of hair is wound is mounted upon theinn'er endof the sleeve l165`and a sprocket wheel 169 is mounted upon the outer end of the sleeve.sprocket wheel is connected by a chain 170 to a sprocket wheel 171 onthe ri hthand friction disk 120. The sprocket w eel 169 is keyed to thesleeve 166 to rotate it and the reel 168, but the sleeve and reel can bemoved longitudinally in order to properly wind the rope upon the reel.

For this purpose, the forked inner end of an arm 172 (see Figs. 4b and9) extends between a pair of collars 173 on the righthand end of thesleeve 165 and at its outer end, the arm 17 2 is provided with a nut 174 which engages a feed screw 17 5 having rightand lefthand threadsformed thereon. This feed screw is j ournaled in suitable bearingsformed in one of the cross bars 161 and in the upper portion of therighthand standard 16. A large sprocket wheel 176 (see Figs. 9 and 10)on the outer end of this feed screw is connected by ,a chain 177 to asmall sprocket wheel 178 on the righthand end of the drive shaft 48.Springs 179 are coiled about the unthreaded end portions of the feedscrew 175 and engage washers 180 thereon. These springs and washerscoperate to engage the nut 174 upon the outer end of the arm 172 withthe threads of the screw,

and the latter serves to reciprocate the sleeve 165 and the reel 168mounted thereon.

The horn 150 of the twisting head extends well within the hollow bore ofthe hub 156 of the twisting flier, and the strand or rope of hair passesfrom the end of the horn over an axially disposed guide 181 on theflier, thence outwardly and over a pair of guide rollers 182 and then tothe reel or spool 168. rlhe rollers 182 are rotatably mounted onbrackets 183 which are mounted upon the longitudinal rods 158 0f theflier and extend inwardly therefrom. Set screws 184 hold the brackets183 in position. The guide 181 and the rollers 182 are provided withconcave peripheral surfaces and the guide is held in position by a clampbolt 185 which extends through a pair of lugs 186 on the f inner face ofthe cross arm 154. Tf desired,

the openings in the lugs 186, for receiving the clamp bolt 185 may beextended in transverse direction so that the guide 181 can loe adjusted.The body of the guide, as most .clearly shown in Fig. 6, is of irregularoutline and abuts against the inner face of the cross arm 154 so that itis held against movement. The portion, however, of the guide thatengages the rope or strand of hair is substantially circular. As therope or strand of hair passes over the end of the horn and over theguide 181, a final tight twist is imparted to it.

When the reel 168 is full it may be readil;7 removed from the flier bydisengaging the end of the shaft 166 from the bracket 167 WWW .l im l 4This y f so `vstationary concentratlng devices, such as andwithdrawingthe shaft the sleeve\ i 165 from the reel.

In operation, the mass of short staple mixed hair i's placed within theannular hopper and is kept fairly level therein to thereby aid inkeeping the feed uniform. The hopper lrevolves slowly to carry the bodyof hair over the grate 60 and picker wheel 59. The latter revolves atAhigh speed and withdraws the hair from the -hopper and projects it 'ontothe feed belt 84 in a bat or layer,

.' andat the same time combs or straightens out the hair fibers and laysthem lengthwisd upon the feed belt. The pressure roller 71 maintains auniform pressure upon the body of hair above\ the icker wheel 's0 that'the feed is uniform. T e picker wheel and grate can beadjusted-vertically,`as described, relatively to one another invaccordance vwith the v2'0 different grades of `mixed hair operated 1pmAs the layer or bat of hair is advanced by the horizontal feed belt 81,it is condensed or compressed laterally by the vertical side. lbelts 93.The speed of movement of these side belts is substantially the same asthat of the horizontal feed belt 84, `so that the layer is concentratedinto af strand or sliver. .The short hair fibers, however,l particularlyin moist weather, would be apt to stick to v the fibers hang togetherand roperly bridge i lthe gap between the feed be t '45 and the feedrollers of the twisting head.

The peripheral speed of the rollersv 131 of I the twistin head isslightly faster than that vof the fee belt 84 so that a little tensionis placed upon the ortion of the hair strand between the feed elt andthe rollers. It shouldbe noted that, in the construction set I Y forth,the hair `in thehopper and in the t parts of the feeding, concentratingand twisting devices is' positively engaged and advanced so that it willnot stick or bridge and so that a` uniform feeding and twisting iseffected.' Attention is also called to the fact that as' the hair passesthroughthe strand forming, compressing and initial i' advanced movementof the hair. '65

The Hier by which the strand. of hair is finally twisted or kinked toproperly curl it, rotates at a considerably greater speed than thetwisting head, so that, as t e strand passes over the horn 150 of thetwisting head and into the iier, a final hard twist or kinked conditionis imparted thereto. The horn 150 of the twisting head projects,'asstated, into the bore of the hub156 of the flier, and referably aninclined guide late 187 (see igs. 4b and 6) is arranged within the mouthof the bore on one side of the hub. This plate is held-in pla ce by across-bolt 188 shown in Figs. 3a and 6. T e speed of rotation of thereel is slightly greater than that ofthe flier, so that as the rope isformed, it is lwound upon a. reel. As the layers of ro e are wound uponthe reel,-the speed oftlie reel is reduced by adjustin r thecorresponding friction drive roll, so t lat e'xcessivetension is notplaced upon the strand or rope of hair as it accumulates upon the reel.

The improved machine effects the uniform feed of the short mixed hairand forms a rope of uniform size which is uniformly tightly twisted andkinked, and the hair is 90 thereby properly and uniforml curled, thecurlv being set by boiling an drying the hair, as stated. It isnecessary to vary the speed of the parts of the machine in accordancewith the varying grades of hair operated upon, and also in accordancewith the varying atmospheric conditions. The speed of the feedingmechanism relatively to the twisting mechanism can be effected bychanging the idle gear 46 which connects the main drive shaft 48 withthe drive shaft 43 of the feeding mechanism.v The 4speed of rotation ofthe twisting head and twistin flier, and the peripheral speed of the feerollers of the twisting head can be readily varied as desired during theoperation of the machine by adjustin the drive rollers that coperatewith the riction disks.

It is obvious that numerous changes may be made in the details setkforth without de- 110 parture from the essentials of the invention asdefined in the claims and that parts may be taken without its adoptionin entirety.

I claim as my invention v1. In a hair 'curling machine, the combi- 115nation of an endless conveyer, a hopper, picker mechanism forwithdrawing the material lfrom said hopper and depositing the same in alayer directly upon said conveyer, devlces for concentrating the layerof mate- 120 rial as it is advanced by said conveyer into a strand andfor compressing the strand atv the delivery end of said conveyer, and arotary twisting head having means thereon for I engaging and advancinthe strand to thereby twist the ortion o the strand between said head ansaid strand compressing devices.

2. In a hair curling machine, the combination of an endless conveyer, ahopper, picker maar@ mechanism for withdrawin the material from said hoper and depositing the same in alayer direct y upon saidconveyer, devlcesfor concentrating the layer of material as it is advanced by saidconveyer into a strand and for compressing thestrand at the delivery endof said conveyer, a rotary twlsting head having means thereon forengaging and advancing the strand and therebyinitially twisting theportion of the strand between said head and said strand compressingdevices and a second twisting mechanism for receiving the strand fromsaid head and finally twisting or kinking the same.

3. lin a hair curling machine, the combination of feed mechanism foradvancing a layer of material, devices for concentratlngl the layer intoa strand and for compresssing the strand, a rotary twisting head havingmeans thereon for gripping and advancing the strand yand arranged toinitially twist the portion of the strand between said grlpping meansand said strand compressing devices, a second rotary twisting mechanlsmfor withdrawing and finally twisting or kinking the strand from saidhead and drive mechanism arranged to rotate said second twistinmechanism faster than but in the same dlrection as said head.

d strand is wound by said Hier, and drive mechanismfor said head, feedrolls, Hier and reel arranged to rotate said Hier faster than said headand to rotate said reel slightly faster than said Hier.

5. In a hair curling machine, the combination with a feeder foradvancing a layer of material and devices for concentrating andcompressing the layer into a strand, of a rotary twisting head forreceiving and twisting the strand said head having feed rolls forgripping the strand between them, and said head having an axial taperedhorn over which the strand from said rolls passes, and a rotary twistingHier, and a reel whereon the strand is wound by sald Hier,

' ing the strand as it leaves the horn f f said titl' said Hier havingeccentric guides for (lirecb twisting head, and coperating 'wih said.horn to finally twist or kinkthe strand, subl stantially as described.y c

6. fn a hair curling machine, the combination with' a feeder foradvancing a layer of material and devices for concentrating and ingfaces, for gripping compressing the la 'er into a strand, of a rotarytwisting hea for receiving andtwiating the strand, said head having feedrolle thereon for g1 ipping the etrandl loetween them, and sait headhaving an axial tapered horn over which .the strand passes. as it leavessaid rolls, and a rotating twisting Hier for withdrawing and finallytwistin the strand from said head, said. Hier havlng a hollow hub at oneend into which said. horn extends, substantially as described.

7 lin a hair curling machine, the combination of a feeder for advancinga layer of material, devices for concentrating and compressing the layerinto a strand, a rotary twisting head for initially twisting the strandhaving feed rolls thereon for gripping the strand between them, saidhead having an axial tapered horn about which the strand passes spirallyas it leaves said rolls a rotary twisting Hier for receiving an finallytwisting or kinking the strand as it leaves said horn, a reel whereonthe strand is wound by said Hier, and mechanism for driving said head,feed rolls, Hier and reel, substantially as described.

8. lin a hair curling machine, the combination of feed mechanismcomprising a hopper, a conveyer, a picker for withdrawing the materialfrom said hopper and depositing the same in a layer directly on saidconveyer and devices for concentratin and compressing the layer ofmaterial 1nto a strand, strand twisting mechanism, driving means forsaid feeding and strand twisting mechanisms, and means for varying therelative speed of operation of said mechanisms, substantially asdescribed.

9. In a hair curling mechanism, the combination with a feeder foradvancing a layer of material and devices for concentrating andcompressing the layer into a strand, of a rotary strand twisting headhaving feed rolls thereon having smooth, yielding workthe strand betweenthem, at the axis of said head, and separate, variable speed drivingdevicesfor said head and said feed rolls, substantially as described.

10. ][n a hair curling mechanism, the combination with a feeder foradvancing a layer of material and devices for concentrating andcompressing the layer into a strand, of a rotary head for initiallytwisting a portion of the strand between said compresslng devices andsaid head having feed rolls thereA on for gripping thel strand betweenthem a second twister for withdrawing and Hnally twisting the strandfrom said head, and separate variable speed driving devices for saidhead and said second twister, substantially as described.4

11. In a hair curling mechanism, the combination with a feeder foradvancing a layer of material and devices for concentratin andycompressing the layer into a sti-an of a rotary strand twisting headhaving feed rolls thereon for gripping the vstrand between them, asecond rotary twister for withdrawing and twisting the strand from head,and drive mechanism having means for varying the speed of said feederrelative to that of said twisters and having means for varying therelative speeds 1a of said twisters, substantially as described.

rotary twisting tric with said head, two shafts eccentrically mounted onsaid head and operatively connected to said gear and to sald rolls,means for rotating said head and means for `rotating said gear,substantially as described.

13. In a hair curling machine, the combination of aI conveyer belt foradvancing a vl layer of material, devices above said belt forconcentrating the layer thereon into a strand,

ressure device at the delivery end of said be t for compressing thestrand, and a rotary head for receiving and twisting the `portion of thestrand between the same and said pressure device, said head having rollsfor gripping the strand between them at the axis of said head,substantially as described.

14. In a hair curlin machine, the combination of a conveyer elt foradvancing a layer -of material, devices above said belt forconcentrating the layer thereon into a strand, a pressure roll above thedelivery end of said belt coperating therewith to compressthe strand, arotary twisting head, and rolls on said head for gripping the strandbetween them and thereby twist the portion of the strand between saidpressure roll and the rolls of said head, substantially as described.

15. In a hair curling machine, the combination of a conveyer belt foradvancing a layer of material, devices above said belt for concentratingthe layer thereon into a strand a pressure roll above the delivery endof sai belt and coperating therewith to compress the strand, a rotarytwister head having feed rolls thereon for grippin the strand andthereby twisting the portion of the strand between them and saidpressure roll, and a second rotary twister for withdrawing and finallytwisting or kinking the strand from said head, and drive mechanism forSald head.

16. In a hair curling machine, the combination of a hopper a conveyerbelt, a icker for withdrawing the material from sai hopper and depositinthe same. in a layer on said belt, devices a ove said belt forconcentrating and com ressmg the layer thereon into a strand, an a rotatwister head having positive] driven fee rolls for gripping the strandetween` them, and means for withdrawing the strand. from said head,substrand, and means for withdrawing the strandfrom said head,substantially as described.

18. In a hair curling machine, the combination of a hopper, a conveyerbelt, a picker for withdrawing material from said hopper and depositingthe same in a layer' on said belt, devices above said belt forconcentrating the layer thereon into a strand, a pressure wheel abovethe delivery end of said belt for compressing the strand, a rotarytwisting head having feed rolls thereon gripping the strand between themto thereby twist the portion of the strand between said feed rolls andsaid pressure roll, and a second rotary twister for withdrawing andtwisting the strand from said head, substantially as described.

19. In a hair curling machine, the combination of a conveyer beltadvancing a layer of material, a pair of converging belts above saidconveyer belt for concentrating the latter thereon into a strand, meansfor driving ,said belts, and means for engaging and twisting the stranddelivered by said belts, substantially as described.

20. In a hair curling machine, the combination of a conveyer beltadvancing a layer of material, a pair of converging belts above saidconveyer belt for concentrating the latter thereon into a strand, meansfor driving said belts, a pressure device at the delivery ends of saidbelts for compressing the strand, and a rotary head having means forengaging and twisting the strand, substantially as described.

21. In a hair curling machine, the combination of a conveyer beltadvancing a layer of material, a pair of converging belts above saidconveyer belt for concentrating the latter thereon into a strand, meansfor drivin@ said belts, means at the delivery ends of said belts forcompressing the strand, a rotary twister head having feed rolls forgripping thestrand, and means for withdrawing the twisted strand fromsaid head, substantlally as described.

' 22. a hair curling machine, the combiaannam nation of a conveyer beltfor advancing a layer of material, a. pair of converging belts aboveAsaid conveyer belt for concentrating the layer into a strand, apressure roll at the delivery ends lof said belts for compressing thestrand, a rotary twister for the strand, andineans for driving saidbelts and said twister, substantially as described.

23. lln a hair curling machine, the combination of a conveyer belt foradvancing a layer of material, a pair of converging belts above saidconveyer belt for concentrating the layer into a strand, a pressure rollat the delivery ends of said belts for compressing theA strand, a rotarytwisting head having a pair of feed rolls for gripping the strandbetween them, means for driving said belts, said head and saidfeedrolls, and means for withdrawing the twisted strand from said head,substantially as described. 24;. lin a hair curling machine, thecombination of a conveyer belt for advancing a layer of material, a pairof converging belts above said conveyer belt for concentrating the layerinto a strand, a pressure roll at the delivery ends of said belts forcompressing the strand, a rotary twisting head having a pair of feedrolls for grippinghthe strand and twisting the portion thereof betweensaid rolls and said pressure roll, a second twister for withdrawing andfurther twisting the strand from said head, and means for driving saidbelts, said twisters and said feed rolls, substantially as described.

25. ln a hair curling machine, the combination of a conveyer belt foradvancing a layer of material, a pair of converging belts arranged onedge above said conveyer belt for concentrating the layer thereon into astrand, guides for maintaining the adjacent portions of the latter beltssubstantially parallel, a pressure roller arranged between said ad'acentparallel belt portions, means for drlving said belts, and means fortwisting the strand delivered thereby, substantially as described. v

26. 1n a hair curling machine, the combination of a conveyerbelt foradvancing a layer of material, a pair of converging belts arranged onedge above said conveyer belt for concentrating the layer thereon into astrand, guide rollers and plates for maintaining the adjacent portion ofthe latter belts substantially parallel, a pressure roller arrangedbetween said adjacent parallel belt portions, a rotary twisting headhaving feed rolls for gripping the strand between them, means fordriving said belts, said twisting head and said feed rolls and means forwithdrawing the twisted strand from said head, substantially asdescribed. v

27. lnahair curling machine, the combination of a conveyer belt foradvancing a layer of material, a pair of converging belts arranged onedge above said conveyer belt for .concentrating the layer thereon intoa strand, guides for maintaining the adjacent portlons of said beltssubstantially parallel, a pressure roller between said adjacent parallelbelt portions, a second pressure rollerl above thedelivery end of saidconveyer belt, a rotary twisting head for engaging and twlstlng thestrand delivered by said belts and means for driving said belts and'saidhead, substantially as described.

2 8. ln a hair curling machine, the combination of a hopper, a'conve erbelt, a picker for withdrawing material rom said hopper and dellveringthe same in a layer to said conveyer belt, a pair of converging beltsIabove said conveyer belt for concentrating thev layer into a strand, apressure device at the delivery end of said belts for engaging thestrand, a rotary twisting head having feed rolls forV engaging andtwistin the strand, and means for driving said picker, belts, twistinghead and feed rolls, substantially as described. v

29. In a hair curling machine, the combination of a hopper, a conve erbelt, a picker for withdrawing material rom said hopper and deliveringthe same in a layer to said conveyer belt, a pair of converging beltsabove Said conveyer belt for concentrating the layer into a strand, apressure roll for engaging the strand between the conver ing portions ofsaid latter belts, means for riving said picker and said belt, and meansfor twisting the strand delivered thereby, substantially as described.

30. In' a. hair curling machine, the combination of a hopper, a conveyerbelt, a picker for withdrawing material from said hopper and deliveringthe same in a layer to said conveyer belt, a pair of converging beltsabove said conveyer belt for concentrating the layer into a strand, apressure roll for engaging the strand at the delivery ends of saidbelts, a rotary head having a pair of feed 4rolls for gripping thestrand between them and twisting the portion of the strand between saidfeed rolls and said pressure roll, a second twister for withdrawlng andfurther twisting the strand from said head, and means for driving saidpicker, said belts, said twisters and said feed rolls, substantially asdescribed. 4

31. ln a hair curling machine the combination of a hopper having adischarge opening, a belt conveyer, a rotary toothed picker wheeloperatin through the opening in said hopper for wit drawing materialtherefrom and depositing the same in a layer on said belt conveyer,devices fory concentrating and compressing the layer of material into astrand, and a rotary twisting head having means for gripping andadvancing the strand, substantially as described.

32. In a hair curling machine, the combination of a hopper having adischarge opening, av conveyer, a rotary toothedA picker wheel operatin'through the opening in said hopper for wit drawing material therefromand depositing the same in a layer on said conveyer, devlces above saidconveyer for concentrating and compressing the 'layer thereon into astrand, a rotary twisting head having feed rolls for gripping the strandbetween them, means for driving said picker wheel, said conve er, saidhead and said feed rolls, and means or withdrawing the twisted strandfrom said head, substantially as described.

33. In a hair curling machine, the combination of a hopper having adischarge opening a conveyer, a rotary toothed picker wheel operatingthrough the opening in said hopper for withdrawing material therefromand depositing the same in a layer on said conveyer, means `for pressingthe material in said hopper against said picker wheel, devices above'said conveyer for concentrat- 'ing the layer thereon into a strand, arotary twisting head having means for engaging,

and advancing the strand, 4and means f or withdrawing rthe twistedstrand from said head, substantially as described.

' 34. In ahair curling machine the combination of a hopper having agrated openin therein, a conveyer belt, a rotary toothe picker wheeloperating through said grated opening for withdrawing material from saidhopper and depositing the same in a layer on said conveyer belt, meansfor presslng the material in said hopper toward said opening, means forconcentrating the layer of material into a strand and means for twistingthe strand, substantially as described. v

35. In a hair curling machine, the combination with a conveyer foradvancing a layer of material, means for concentrating the layer into-astrand and means for twisting the strand, of a revolving hopper abovethe receiving end of said conveyer, and a rotating, toothed picker wheelfor withdrawing material from said hopper and depositing the same in alayer on said conveyer, substantially as described. y

36. In a hair curling machine, the combination with a conveyer foradvancing a layer of material, means for concentrating the layer into astrand and means for twisting the strand, of a revolvinghopper abovethe, receiving end of said conveyer, a rotating, toothed picker wheelinterposed be- -tween said conveyer and said hopper for withdrawingmaterial from the latterand depositin the same in a layer on saidconveyer, -an means for pressmg the material in said revolving hoppertoward said picker wheel, substantially as described.

37. In a hair curling machine, the combination with a lconveyer foradvancing a layer of material, means for concentrating the layer into astrand and means for twisting the strand, of a revolving hopper abovethe receiving end of said conveyer, having sa grated bottom portion, arotating toothed picker Wheel operating through the grated ottom portionof said hopper for with-- drawing material therefrom and depositing thesame in a layer on said conveyer, and a pressure roll for engaging thematerial in said hopper above said picllrer wheel, sub stantially asdescribed.

38. In a hair curling machine, the combination of an annular hopperhaving revoluble inner and outer portions and a grated bottom portion, aconveyer, a rotating, toothed' picker wheel operating through the gratedbottom portion of said hopper for withdrawing material therefrom anddepositing the same in a layer on said conveyer, a pressure roll forengaging the material in said hopper above said picker wheel, devicesfor concentrating and compressing the layer into a strand, and feedrolls for twisting and advancing the strand.

39. In a hair curling machine, the combination of an annular hopperhaving revoluble inner and outer portions and a stationary bottomprovided with a discharge opening, a conveyer below said dischargeopening, a picker wheel operating through said opening for withdrawingmaterial from said hopper and depositing the same in a layer on saidconveyer, means for driving said inner and outer hopper portions, saidpicker wheel and said conveyer, means'for concentrating the layer ofmaterial into a strand, and means for twisting the strand, substantiallyas described.

40. In a hair curling machine, the combination of an annular hopperhaving revoluble inner and outer portions and a ixed bottom providedwith a grated discharge opening, a pressure wheel for engaging thematerial 1n said hopper above said discharge opening, a rotating,toothed picker wheel operating through said discharge opening forwithdrawing material therefrom, a conveyer belt whereon the material isdeposited by said picker wheel in a layer, devices for concentrating andcompressing the layer into a strand, and means for twisting the strand,substantially as described.

41. In a hair' curling machine, the combination `of a revolving hopperhaving a grated bottom portion, a rotating toothed plcker wheel belowsaid hopper or withdrawing material therefrom, a pressure roller forengaging the material in said hopper above said picker wheel, a conveyerbelt whereon the material is deposited in a layer by said picker wheel,converging belts above said conveyer belt for concentrating the layer into a strand, a pressure device for en-

